Scan barcode
A review by arisbookcorner
French Lessons by Ellen Sussman
2.0
IQ "Young love teaches you how to love. You're so lucky. Most of us spend years trying to learn the ways of love." Chantal, pg. 16
I think I expected this book to be "deeper" than it was, it was really more about lust and its effects. Not that that's a problem but I was surprised by the content. I liked the explorations of Paris, especially because I felt like this book offered a grittier, less idealistic view of the French people. I did wish the book was more the tutors, the Americans or both. Instead we learn about Nico and a little bit about Chantal, but nothing about Philippe (the tutors). We learn a lot about Josie and Riley and a tad about Jeremy. I wanted more information about the tutors.
I was impressed that the author managed to keep judgement at bay during Josie's story of her affair with a married man, a man who seemed to really love her. Overall this is a very character-driven story and since the characters were not particularly memorable this book was simply alright. For a few pleasant hours it took me to Paris and I am never one to turn down a free trip to Paris.
I think I expected this book to be "deeper" than it was, it was really more about lust and its effects. Not that that's a problem but I was surprised by the content. I liked the explorations of Paris, especially because I felt like this book offered a grittier, less idealistic view of the French people. I did wish the book was more the tutors, the Americans or both. Instead we learn about Nico and a little bit about Chantal, but nothing about Philippe (the tutors). We learn a lot about Josie and Riley and a tad about Jeremy. I wanted more information about the tutors.
I was impressed that the author managed to keep judgement at bay during Josie's story of her affair with a married man, a man who seemed to really love her. Overall this is a very character-driven story and since the characters were not particularly memorable this book was simply alright. For a few pleasant hours it took me to Paris and I am never one to turn down a free trip to Paris.